Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: how to use and unlock the potential

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro became a real bestseller thanks to its main camera with a resolution of 64 megapixels, which was revolutionary for the budget segment at the time of release. Many users buy this device for the sake of photo and video capabilities, but standard settings often do not allow you to unlock the full potential of the Samsung GW1 sensor. To get really high-quality images, you need to understand the intricacies of the MIUI interface and understand the logic of artificial intelligence.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at how to use all the main camera modules correctly, from the ultra-wide-angle lens to the telemacro. You will learn to adjust exposure, work with night mode and avoid common errors that lead to blurred or over-lit shots. Competent setting will allow you to take pictures that are not inferior to flagship devices.

Interface and basic shooting modes

Launching the Camera app gives you access to an intuitive but feature-rich interface. At the bottom of the screen are the main mode switches, including Video, Photo, Portrait and Night. The top panel contains flash, HDR, filters and timer settings, and the sidebars allow you to quickly switch between lenses and open the gallery. For beginners, it is important to know that swipe right or left on the viewfinder also changes shooting modes, which speeds up the work.

Special attention should be paid to the HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, which automatically balances light and dark areas of the frame. In contrast lighting, for example, when shooting against the sun, this mode is simply indispensable for preserving detail in the shadows. However, in static scenes with uniform light, it is better to turn it off to avoid excessive software processing and loss of natural color.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use the mode HDR When shooting moving objects or if your hands are shaking, as the algorithm glues together multiple frames with different exposures, which can lead to “doubles” or lubricants.

Switching between lenses is done by tapping the appropriate icons at the bottom of the screen or zooming with your fingers. The main module works by default, but it is convenient to use a wide angle with a viewing angle of 120 degrees to capture landscapes. The macro lens is activated automatically when approaching an object or manually through zoom, allowing you to focus at a distance of only 2 cm.

Configure the main 64 MP module

By default, the camera shoots at 16 megapixels using 4-in-1 binning technology to improve sensitivity. However, to get maximum detail in good light, you can activate the 64 MP mode. To do this, select the “More” menu and switch to 64MP. In this mode, the camera uses the full potential of the matrix, capturing the smallest textures and details.

When using high resolution, it is critical to ensure the stability of the smartphone. Even minimal hand shaking can lead to micro-greases that will become noticeable when viewing photos on the big screen. In addition, 64 MP files take up much more space in memory, so keep an eye on the free space on the drive.

💡

For maximum detail in 64MP mode, press the down button smoothly or use the voice command “Photograph” to avoid shaking the phone with your finger.

In the camera settings (three-strip icon in the corner), it is recommended to check the quality parameters. Make sure that you choose a high quality JPEG save and the framing grid is turned on. The grid helps to follow the rule of thirds when composing the frame, which immediately improves the visual perception of the photo.

Secrets of portrait photography and blur

The Portrait mode on the Redmi Note 8 Pro uses a combination of telephoto lens data and artificial intelligence algorithms to create a bokeh effect. The camera automatically determines the boundaries of the object and blurs the background, simulating the work of professional optics. For best results, the distance to the object should be 0.5 to 2 meters, and the lighting should be sufficient to clearly contrast between the subject and the background.

In the portrait mode settings, a change in the degree of blur is available, denoted by the value of f. The smaller the number, the more the background is blurred. However, you should not always twist the value to a minimum, as this can lead to unnatural artifacts around hair or complex objects. The optimal value is considered in the area f/2.0 - f/2.8.

• 📸 Watch the focus: tap the screen in the face area of the model so that the camera correctly prioritizes sharpness.
• 💡 Use light: Portrait photography requires good lighting, avoid dark spaces without additional lighting.
• 🚫 Avoid colorful backgrounds: homogeneous background is better separated by algorithms than complex patterned.

It's worth noting that algorithms sometimes misalign with the edges of objects, especially if the clothes blend in with the background by color. In such cases, it's better to do multiple takes with different position of the model. Also available is Studio Lighting mode, which adds artificial glare to the face, making the skin more expressive.

Macrographing and wide-angle capabilities

Special attention should be paid to the 2-megapixel macro camera, which allows you to take unique pictures of small objects. To activate this mode, you either select it from the menu, or just hold the phone very close to the object (literally 2-3 cm), and the camera itself will switch. Macro lens has a fixed focus, so zooming in this mode is not available — you need to physically move the smartphone back and forth to find sharpness.

The 120-degree wide-angle camera is ideal for architecture, interiors and group photography, and when you switch to this lens, you'll notice that there's a lot more space on the sides, but you'll also need to consider the distortion effect on the edges of the frame, where straight lines can bend.

Light is critical to high-quality macro images, because of the small aperture of the macro lens, the room often lacks natural light, and the photos are noisy, and in such situations you can carefully use a flash or illuminate an object with a flashlight of another device, but you need to do this at an angle to avoid hard glare.

Night mode and video recording

Night Mode on the Redmi Note 8 Pro does wonders in low light, and when it's activated, it takes a series of different exposures and glues them together, removing digital noise and pulling details out of the darkness. 2-4 seconds after pressing the trigger button.

Video is available in up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, which provides high video detail. However, it is worth remembering that when shooting in 4K, electronic stabilization may work less efficiently than in Full HD. For shooting with hands in motion, you better choose 1080p at 60 frames per second, which will give a smoother picture.

⚠️ Note: For long-term recording of video in resolution 4K The smartphone body can get noticeably hot. If the temperature becomes critical, the recording will automatically stop to protect the components.

Slow Motion is available at 960 or 120 frames per second, but only at 720p. This allows you to capture fast movements, such as a shattering drop of water or a running athlete, in the smallest detail.

Professional regime and additional functions

For power users, PRO mode is available, which gives you full control over the camera settings, where you can manually set the ISO, shutter speed, white balance and focal length, and this is especially useful for shooting the starry sky when the smartphone's automation can't cope with long shutter speeds, or for creating artistic blurs in motion.

In professional mode, you can set shutter speed (S) to 1/4 second or lower, and sensitivity (ISO) to 50-100 units to minimize noise. Focus is better put in manual mode (MF) and twist the slider to infinity when shooting landscapes. White balance (WB) allows you to adjust the color temperature, making the frame warmer or cooler depending on the light source.

The camera also has a Documents mode, which automatically aligns the perspective of the text taken and improves contrast by making it look like a scanned file. It is a handy feature for students and office workers that allows them to quickly digitize papers without losing readability.

💡

PRO mode gives you full control over exposure, but requires an understanding of the basics of photography; for fast shots, it is better to use automatic modes with EV correction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)